By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University recently introduced the first cohort of its Gulf Sustainers program during a kickoff event held in ASU’s Great Hall of Teachers in Ralph David Abernathy Hall. The initiative, housed within the Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, welcomed its inaugural class of 10 students.
The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine awarded ASU a five-year, $525,000 grant to develop a new Gulf Scholars Program to prepare undergraduate students to address pressing environmental, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges in the Gulf of Mexico Region. ASU is one of six institutions to receive funding for a new Gulf Scholars Program.
“Each year, a new cohort of 10 will be selected for the next four years,” said psychology professor Marcia Rossi. “The cohorts will be known as Gulf Sustainers.”
Rossi noted that the students represent diverse disciplines—computer information systems, forensic biology, psychology, biomedical engineering, interdisciplinary studies, graphic design and biology pre-health.
New Interdisciplinary Minor
Coinciding with the program launch, Alabama State University also announced the establishment of a new interdisciplinary minor, titled “Sustainability and Community.” Rossi explained that the program prepares students to help protect and preserve the Gulf Coast region.
"The minor is significant. It’s all about activities that we can do to sustain the Gulf region, its people, the wildlife and environment, to ensure we leave it in good condition for future generations. We are very excited about this program,” Rossi stated.
Program Structure and Benefits
Students participating in the Gulf Sustainers program can receive financial support and engage in valuable experiences:
Stipends: Students can earn stipends of $600 in their first year and $1,000 in their second year upon completion of program activities.
Required Courses: A mandatory capstone project will involve students partnering with community organizations.
Additional Opportunities: The program offers on-campus projects and field trips, including an overnight visit to Dauphin Island, and funding for conference travel.
Student Perspective
Sophomore computer science major, Keairra Thomas, shared her eagerness to participate.
"I saw an ad about the program in my email, and I applied. I like to take advantage of every opportunity I see,” Thomas said. “I wasn’t sure if I’d qualify, as it’s a marine-based program, but they were looking for diverse majors. I am really looking forward to learning about the Earth and how to keep it healthy and maintain it, as well as working with like-minded individuals and making history as a member of the first cohort.”
Faculty Involvement
Faculty members may also participate by incorporating sustainability concepts into their courses and receive stipends for their involvement.
Event Photos
Additional photos from the kickoff event can be viewed at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xCmDCTAMmQSx6kbH7